HLÖKK (pronounced – loo-k) is named after a Norse Valkyrie that would carry the bravest and best warriors to Valhalla. These races are put on by Team Overwatch, a non-profit out of San Diego, CA that was started by David Lyman, age 36. Lyman serves in the Navy, with 16 years of active service in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

Team Overwatch is a name derived from two sources. The ‘Team‘ portion represents the communities (ex. running, biking, swimming). For Lyman, “the connection and camaraderie mirrors the military community”. The ‘Overwatch‘ portion is a military term that represents a unit providing cover or protection during operations. The mission of Team Overwatch is to identify disabled veterans or families of vets who are in need of support that falls outside the standard provided by insurance companies and government funding.

On June 3rd, Team Overwatch will host the HLÖKK races, with 100% of the proceeds going to a new family that Team Overwatch is sponsoring. Corbin Clements, a 3 year old twin, who has been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, Epilepsy and Autism. TO are assisting the family with raising $17,000, which is the cost of a service animal, specifically trained to ease Corbin’s anxiety in busy places and, perhaps most importantly, smell the chemical signals put off by an oncoming seizure. Sean Clements, Corbin’s father, is a veteran and the family as a whole has put an extraordinary effort into raising the money on their own before asking for any help.

With three distances (15k, 30k, and 60k),the HLÖKK races have something for everyone. Held in the beautiful mountains of Big Bear, CA. Team Overwatch is working now to provide discounts for local hotels and offer an open discount to active military. There will be camping available near the start/finish, but it will be limited. Race entrance includes a t-shirt and finisher medal. Aid stations will be provided on a looped course and have all the goods to get you through your race.

Just 2.5 hours from San Diego and even closer for those more north, the race is accessible for both racers and families. Since the course is looped, families and friends will be able to see their racers without having to travel from aid station to aid station. TAUR will be on staff to support the race and will have a booth available, so come and hang out. There will be lots to do.

CONTEST!

Team Overwatch is doing something very special. We have gotten to know David Lyman and Team Overwatch and will do whatever we can to help them succeed. The support they are providing, one family at a time, is changing lives. We hope you will come out to support them and the families who need help. We are going to make it easy by giving away 1-2 entries. All you have to do is COMMENT below about who your HERO is then share this article on social media. We will choose 1-2 random winners and announce them on May 19th.

Craig is CEO and co-owner of Trail And Ultra Running. He started with the company in 2012 as a contributing writer and has served in product reviews and head of operations. Craig is a seasoned ultra runner, with more than a dozen 100 milers under his belt and countless ultra distance adventure runs. He can frequently be found on the Facebook group keeping the peace and posting selfies.

This is absolutely incredible! What a gorgeous race and a beautiful cause. I would be honored to run this knowing that it was supporting something so amazing.
I’ve been blessed with many people in my life that I look up to. I would say that one of my heroes is Jenny Karren because she not only continuously pushes herself to be the best she can be but she brings as many people along with her as possible.